THE Hoops gaffer's tirade following his team's shock League Cup defeat has divided fans, as GAVIN BERRY finds out when he takes your calls.

NEIL LENNON had the Celtic media room roaring with laughter last week after answering a journalist’s phone that had gone off during his post-match press conference.

But the Parkhead gaffer’s tone was one of anger at Lennoxtown on Tuesday when he addressed the media ahead of last night’s SPL clash at home to Kilmarnock.

Record Sport columnist Murdo MacLeod was Lennon’s prime target as he took the former Hoops star and assistant boss to task over his assessment of Celtic’s League Cup semi-final loss to St Mirren.

Ian Grant, Falkirk , said: “Fans calling for Lennon’s head are out of order but I take issue with him saying he’s the only one able to criticise the team.

“I’m a fan and shareholder and pay good money so I’m entitled to an opinion.

“Some like to shoot the messenger when they don’t like the message. I don’t always agree with Murdo but he calls it as he sees it and Lennon was out of order to attack him. Murdo has an affinity with the club and he does care – I’ve seen the joy on his face when we score in European games.”

Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon , said: “I love Lennon to death but Murdo is an ex-Celt and was bang on with what he said. The fans are disappointed we can’t win the Treble.

“I blame the players mainly but the manager must also learn to take a bit of criticism.”

Martin Brodigan, Chapelhall , said: “Lennon’s attack on MacLeod was uncalled for. He uses the press when it suits him like last week when he was all laughs and smiles after answering a journalist’s phone.

“He said Hampden is uninspiring but the same could be said of Parkhead this season because it’s been visibly empty except for European games. It’s his job to make sure the players are inspired.

“I’m unpopular with my mates but I want Rangers fast-tracked because the lack of atmosphere is a turn-off and Sky will think if the fans can’t be bothered then why should they.”

Joe O’Neill, Greenock , said: “It was ridiculous for Lennon to say he’s the only one entitled to have a go at his team. Who does he think he is? We should have been going for nine trophies over the next three seasons but we’ve blown it again as usual. We’re paying Lennon’s wages. What happens if we lose to Raith Rovers?”

Stephen Stewart, Hamilton , said: “I agree with everything MacLeod said. Lennon is the one acting like a spoiled kid whenever he or the team gets criticised.”

Kevin McQuade, New Stevenston , said: “Hugh Keevins was banned for telling the truth and now Lennon is spitting the dummy for MacLeod telling the truth. Lennon is a symptom of what’s wrong at Parkhead. It’s a rudderless ship and that’s the only reason he got the job. Murdo was bang on.”

Alistair Burns, Coatbridge , said: “Celtic were so bad they never broke sweat against St Mirren. Lennon should have fined the players two weeks’ wages. But the manager must learn to take criticism when it’s due.”

Gerry Leslie, Hamilton , said: “Lennon should go to the public library and get a copy of How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie!”

But a couple of callers backed Lennon. Bruce McConville, Lurgan , emailed: “All Murdo does is slag off the players, he doesn’t pay to get into Parkhead and only shows his face when Henrik Larsson is about. Shut up and stay away Murdo.”

Chris Smith, Greenock , emailed: “MacLeod should be ashamed of himself. His criticism of Lennon and his comments were way over the top. Neil quite rightly took exception to this.”

Gavin Fletcher, Derry , said: “Why are Celtic fans worried about getting put out of either of the domestic cups? Juventus are throwing away points in Serie A and have been unconvincing domestically in recent weeks.

“They’re concentrating on the Champions League last-16 tie and so should we.”

Paul Bradstock, Leith , said: “After Esmael Goncalves’s performance on Sunday I thought Lennon would be hailing his star as world class, Premiership-bound and worth £15million. Sorry, that’s the other Lennon I was thinking of.”

Bill Kerr, Rutherglen , said: “Neil Doncaster didn’t call for a vote of SPL clubs on Monday because it would have failed. He’s hoping the SFL won’t give it the go-ahead so they take the blame.”